The File of Life program is an initiative that assists EMS personnel when they respond to an emergency. This program uses clear plastic, magnetized envelopes to store pertinent medical information in plain view on refrigerator doors. The magnetized holders contain a standard medical form on which the homeowners record medical history, medications, etc.

History of the Program

Previously this program was known as the Vial of Life. The idea was to place valuable medical information on paper and in a location that everyone had in their home. The "vial" was nothing more than a prescription vial which held the medical paperwork and the standard location was deemed to be the freezer compartment of refrigerators. This program was in place for a few years in Novi but there were some flaws, one of which was that many times the vial would be lost in the freezer section among the frozen foods.

Based on this flaw and other problems a new program began a few years ago. Currently the Novi Fire Department has used up all of the old style vials and begun the new program called the File of Life. The new program uses clear plastic envelopes to store pertinent medical information in plain view on refrigerator doors. The magnetized holders contain a standard medical form on which the homeowners record medical history, medications, etc. EMS personnel automatically check refrigerator doors when a homeowner is unconscious or unable to communicate with first responders.

How Do I Get a File of Life?

You can pick up a File of Life folder at any Novi Fire Station or the Novi Senior Center. If you cannot pick up a File of Life folder and would prefer that we mail one, please contact Captain Todd Seog via email or by phone at 248-349-2162 or contact Lieutenant Jonathan Gearns-Hazlett via email or by phone at 248-349-2162.

Questions?

If you have any questions on the File of Life please contact Captain Todd Seog via email or by phone at 248-349-2162 or contact Lieutenant Jonathan Gearns-Hazlett via email or by phone at 248-349-2162.

Fire personnel will gladly speak with your Homeowners Association, Civic Group or Senior Group to explain the need and benefit of this program. Please contact the above personnel to make an appointment.